Bowling ball release



y 1965 A. GKIDVANELLI 3,183,001

BOWLING BALL RELEASE Filed April 10, 1962 S Sheets-Sheet 1 O\ W Q IN VENT OR. /4 ///"ea zbrozze llz' BY y 11, 1965 A. GIOVANELLI 3,183,001

BOWLING BALL RELEASE Filed April 10 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. fl/rea e'ora/ze [lz' May 11, 1965 v A. GIOVANELLI BOWLING BALL RELEASE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 10, 1962 United States Patent 3,183,001 BOWLING BALL RELEASE Alfred Giovanelli, 8214 23rd Ave., Kenosha, Wis. Filed Apr. 10, 1962, Ser. No. 186,432 11 Claims. (Cl. 273-43) This invention relates to a device for use with auto matic apparatus employed in bowling lanes, and more particularly pertains to apparatus for dislodging bowling ball-pin assemblies which may jam in a ball exit Leading to a bowling ball return.

The installation of automatic apparatus in bowing lanes has progressed at such a rapid rate in recent years that in substantially all of the larger bowling establishments the pins and delivered bowling balls are handled solely by apparatus. The development of eflicient apparatus for removing fallen pins after a bowling ball has been delivered, resetting pins in the lane, and returning the delivered ball, has dispensed with the need for pin boys previously employed for the latter functions. The use of the automatic apparatus enables a bowling lane to efficiently function independently of the previously essential pin boys, oftentimes on a twenty-four hour basis.

Although the various automatic appartaus for removing and resetting pins and returning the delivered bowling balls to the players are obviously works of inventive genius, certain difficulties have arisen in the course of utilizing the same.

The basic apparatus employed in an automated bowling lane includes a rack or pin setter which functions in conjunction with a combination sweep and guard. The pin setter retrieves standing pins and resets the proper number of pins in accordance with the basic bowling rules. The delivered bowling ball is directed by a moving conveyor and cushioned stop plank to a ball exit through which the ball passes for purposes of engaging a ball elevator which places the ball in a ball return which terminates at one end limit adjacent the bowler.

As will hereinafter be explained in greater detail, periodically a pin and ball will lodge in the ball exit after the ball has been delivered. The presence of both the hall and pin in the exit will prevent passage of the ball therethrough necessitating a delay in the game until an attendant removes the pin or pins from the exit permitting passage therethrough of the ball.

It is an object of thi invention to provide a novel apparatus which will readily disengage a ball and. pin assembly from a ball exit allowing the ball alone to subsequently proceed therethrough.

It is another object of this invention to provide novel apparatus for dislodging ball and pin members jammed in a ball exit which functions automatically after each bowling ball is delivered so that the need for an attendant or bowler to operate the same is obviated.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide novel apparatus for dislodging ball and pin assemblies which is compact, inexpensive to manufacture and which may readily be incorporated with functioning automatic bowling apparatus without alteration of the same.

The above and other objects of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in the light of the accompanying drawing and appended claims.

In one embodiment of this invention a substantially L-shaped rod is rotatably mounted on a bowling ball stop plank. and mounted for rotation through an angle of 90 degrees. The second rod portion is normally disposed parallel to the plank and in the course of rod rotation preferably moves through an arc of 90 degrees. The vertical rod portion is mounted on the plank end dis- One arm of the rod is vertically disposed 3,183,001 Patented May 11, 1965 posed adjacent a ball exit leading to a bowling ball return. The rod location enables the horizontal portion thereof to sweep past the area adjacent the ball exit. Thus any ball and pin assemblies jammed in the exit are urged from the vicinity thereof enabling the ball to subsequently enter alone as will hereinafter be explained in detail.

The motive means actuating the dislodging rod may comprise a drive shaft for the automatic sweep; the latter shaft makes one complete revolution after each ball is thrown. A dislodgingapparatus actuator may thus be locked to the drive shaft and positioned to actuate the dislodging rod at a desired portion of the sweep cycle.

In one embodiment of the invention the means utilizing the rotational movement of the sweep shaftand actuator rotatably moving the ball-dislodging L-shaped rod comprises a pulley locked to an upper portion of the vertical rod portion. A wire locked to the pulley at one end limit is aflixed to a pivoting lever at the opposite wire end limit. In the normal course of sweep operation, rotation of the drive shaft forces the projecting actuator fixedly positioned thereon into engagement with the pivoting lever. Pivotal movement of the latter lever rotates the pulley locked to the ball-dislodging rod by means of the interconnecting Wire through a desired angle, sweeping any ball and pin assemblies from the vicinity of the ball exit. A spring returns the rod to its original position after the actuator terminates engagement with the lever.

In another embodiment of this invention, a ball-engaging rod may be mounted to an apparatus frame portion and pivot in the vertical plane, 'as will hereinafter be described in greater detail.

For a more complete illustration of this invention, reference will now be made to the drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one form of bowling ball release illustrated in conjunction with portions of a bowling lane andassociated apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of a bowling ball release just prior to engaging a ball and pin assembly wedged in a ball exit;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view illustrating one embodiment of a bowling ball release mechanism and rack and sweep devices which are illustrated in the position normally assumed prior to the delivery of a bowling ball;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the positions of the sweep and bowling ball release actuator after a bowling ball has been delivered;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrating the position of the sweep at the end limit of its movement, and also illustrating the position of the bowling ball release elements at this instant;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a modified form of bowling ball release; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the ball-engaging portion of the mechanism of FIG. 6

in its actuated or ball-engaging position.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 1, the end portion of a. bowling lane is therein illustrated having spots 12 formed on the upper surface thereof. The latter spots indicate the location of the bowling pins prior to the delivery of the bowling ball by a bowler. Disposed adjacent to the terminal end limit of lane 10 is a continuously moving carpet 14 which engages rotatable spaced rollers 16. The rollers rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow, whereby the upper surface of the carpet moves away from lane 10.

Supportably mounted above carpet 14 is a bowling ball 3 stop plank 18 which is secured at opposed end portions to supports 20, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. The side surface of plank 18 disposed adjacent to the terminal end limit of lane 10 is provided with a facing 22 of resilient material which normally engages the delivered ball after the same has been thrown by a bowler.

In the course of bowling, the ball delivered by the bowler onto the lane 10 strikes the pins disposed on the spots 12 arranged at the end of the lane 10. Normally at least some of the pins, as well as the ball, are driven onto the continuous belt or carpet 14. The carpet moves the pins toward a rotatable pin lift 24, more clearly seen in FIGS. 3 through 5. The pin lift 24 is spaced adjacent the unpadded stop plank surface and serves to elevate the pins to a distributor or conveyor means (not illustrated) communicating with rack 26, illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5.

The pin lift or elevator 24 is a well known article of automatic bowling apparatus and comprises a large wheel having pin receiving pockets formed about the periphery thereof which accept the pins as they are pushed thereinto by the carpet. The pins are clamped to the wheel and released onto the distributor which feeds the pins to a rack 26. The rack 26 is also a well-known article of automatic bowling apparatus and comprises no part of this invention. The rack 26 is schematically illustrated in dotted lines to more clearly show the various positions of a sweep 70.

It will be clearly seen from FIGS. 3 through that the lower end limit of the plank 18 is spaced a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the carpet 14; the latter interval between the plank and carpet is adapted to permit passage of the fallen bowling pins beneath the plank, but is insufficient to permit passage therebeneath of a bowling ball, such as ball 28 illustrated in FIG. 2. The stop plank has the function of guiding the delivered ball to an opening or ball exit 30 disposed adjacent one terminal end limit of the plank 18, as is more clearly seen from FIG. 2. The exit 30 has a pivotally mounted door 34 disposed therein which pivots inwardly into the open position when a bowling ball is urged against a delatching pin 33 centrally disposed in the door.

It will also be noted from FIG. 2 that the plank 18 is not disposed at right angles to carpet 14, but is angled toward exit 30 whereby the continuously moving carpet 14 will rotatably move the ball 28 along the plank 18 until the door 34 is reached. After passing through the exit 30, the ball will engage a ball lift and be placed in a ball return terminating adjacent the opposite end limit of the lane. The ball lift and ball return (not illustrated) comprise well known apparatus in the bowling art and define no portion of this invention.

It sometimes happens, because of the particular man,- ner in which the pins and ball arrive at the vicinity of the exit 30, that one or more pins, such as pins 32 illustrated in FIG. 2, will jam in exit 30 with the door 34 preventing passage of the ball and also preventing passage of the pins 32 beneath the stop plank 18. Such jamming necessitates a delay in the game until an attendant may dislodge the pin and ball combination from the exit opening 30. Such delays are, of course, undesired, necessitating a delay not only for the bowler who is then bowling on the lane, but also causing a delay for all those who may be waiting to bowl on that particular lane.

In accordance with this invention, a ball release is provided which may be automatically actuated to sweep past the carpet area adjacent the ball exit 30 after each ball is thrown, so that any ball and pin assembly jammed in such exit may be engaged by the release device, automatically, and removed from the vicinity of the door, thereby enabling the game to be continued without delay.

The provided release device may comprise a rotatable L-shaped release rod 36, more clearly seen in FIG. 1, having a first vertical portion 36a disposed at right angles 4 to a second horizontal portion 36b. Portion 36b extends parallel to the length of plank 18 prior to actuation to the device and is preferably rotated through an arc of 90 degrees, terminating in a position disposed at right angles to plank 18, the latter position being more clearly seen in FIG. 5 of the drawing.

In the course of moving from the position of FIG. 1, to the position of FIG. 5, the release rod portion 36b sweeps past the carpet area disposed adjacent the ball exit 30. During this movement any ball and pin assembly is urged from the vicinity of the door 34, as is apparent from FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 rod portion 36b is illustrated in the course of moving from the position of FIG. 1, into the position of FIG. 5. A lower peripheral portion of the vertical rod segment 36a may be encompassed by a ring 38 secured to stop plank 18. A collar 40 is secured to an upper end portion of rod segment 36a by means of a set screw 42. The collar 40 may comprise the means for positioning rod 36 in a desired location in the vertical plane relative to a supporting bar 44 which is, in turn, supported by a transverse support member 46. Collar 40 in addition to positioning rod 36 in the vertical plane, provides a bearing portion whereby the rod may turn relative to supporting bar 44.

Locked to an upper portion of rod segment 36a, disposed adjacent supporting bar 44, is a pulley 48 maintained in spaced relationship with a guide pulley 50. Pulley 50 is rotatably mounted on a pin 52 secured to support bar 44 in spaced relationship with pivot pin 54. The latter pin comprises a pivot for a substantially Z- shaped arm 56. As will be seen from FIG. 1, a wire 58 which is secured to rod pulley 48 at one end limit is secured to one terminal end of arm 56 at an opposite end limit after engaging guide pulley 50.

It will be seen from FIG. 1 that if the distal end of Z-shaped arm 56 is pivoted in a downward direction, forcing the opposed end 56a attached to the wire 58 to pivot in an upward direction, the pulley 48 keyed to the, release rod 36, as well as the rod itself, will be forced to rotate in a clockwise direction forcing rod segment 36b to move past the ball exit door in the manner previously described in the discussion of FIGS. 1 and 5. The distance which arm 56 moves, as well as the circumference of pulley 48, assists in determining the are through which rod portion 36b moves.

The means for actuating release rod 36 may comprise a rotatable shaft, such as shaft 60 illustrated in FIG. 1, to which an actuator 62 adapted to engage end portion 56b of the Z-shaped arm 56 is locked. It may be desired to rotate the shaft 60 by means of a device, such as motor 64 and connecting belt 66 of FIG. 3, whenever ball and pins jam in the exit door in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. A switch may be disposed adjacent to the bowler who may actuate the motor 64 by the flipping of a switch whenever jamming occurs, causing the release rod to sweep through its desired are removing the pins from the ball assembly.

In accordance with this invention, actuator 62 may also be locked to a rotatable drive shaft of a sweep, such as sweep 70, illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, whereby the release rod 36 is actuated after every ball is delivered. The sweep 70 has as its function the protection of the rack 26 (illustrated in dotted lines) as the latter rack is retrieving standing pins and resetting new pins in the normal course of the bowling game. The sweep also has as its function the sweeping or removal of pins which have been knocked down by the delivered ball, but which still remain on the bowling lane 10. The sweep will force the fallen pins or deadwood from the lane onto the continuously moving carpet 14, whereby they may be then delivered to the pin elevator 24.

FIGS. 3 through 5 illustrate a sequence of operations indicating the manner whereby the provided ball and pin release rod 35 may be actuated into a desired operational sequence conforming with the movements of the auto- 5 matic devices comprising the rack 26 and sweep 70. FIG. 3 illustrates the positions of the release rod 36, actuator 62, rack 26 and sweep 70, prior to delivery of a ball by a bowler. FIG. 4 illustrates the position of the sweep after the ball has been delivered just prior to reciprocal movement by the rack 26 into its lowered position wherein it may retrieve standing pins, after which it is returned to its elevated position. In the position of FIG. 4, the sweep protects the rack 26 in the event that a ball is inadvertently thrown by a player while the rack is in its lowermost position. FIG. 5 illustrates the sweep at the end limit of its sweeping movement. In the course of this movement the rack is, of course, elevated as illustrated.

The sweep positions are controlled by a series of linkage arms defining structure well-known in the art. The latter arms are driven by a shaft which may comprise shaft 60a. In FIG. 3 linkage arms 63 and 65 connected to shaft 66a are fragmentarily illustrated. The latter arms enable the rotational movement of shaft 600! to effect reciprocal movement of sweep 70. Arm 65 is pivotally connected to pivot arm 67 which pivotally moves about gear 69. Counterweighted lever arm 71 is movable about the periphery of gear 69 with the assistance of planetary gears 73 and 75 mounted on arms 67 and 71, respectively. Lever 71 is connected to sweep carriage 77 by connecting arm 79. Carriage 77 and attached sweep 70 are driven along rail 81 by the arm and link movements apparent in FIGS. 3 through 5.

Since the shaft 60:: will make one complete revolution for each series of sweep operations after a ball is thrown, actuator 62 for the provided ball release device may be locked to the shaft 60a which also serves as a driving arm for the sweep linkage arms. FIG. 4 illustrates the desired positioning of the actuator 62 relative to arm 56 at the instant that the sweep '70 is ready to begin its sweeping action. The actuator initiates its contact with arm 56 which will rotate rod 36 by means of interconnecting wire 58 at the instant the sweep 74) is to begin its sweeping toward the exit 39. By so timing the actuation of the release rod 36 relative to the sweep movement, the release rod is actuated after the delivered ball has had sufficient time to arrive in the vicinity of the door 34. Thus, the release device will have adequate time to clear the ball and pin assembly which may be jamming the exit 30 at such an early stage in the functioning of the automatic apparatus that a bowler will receive his bail in ample time for his next delivery even if jamming had occurred at the ball exit.

FIG. 5 illustrates the right angle relationship between the release arm segment 36b and the stop plank 18 which coincides with the arrival of the sweep 70 at the end limit of its sweep movement.

The return of the release rod segment 36b to its position of FIG. 1 may be accomplished with the assistance of the coil spring 51 wound about a portion of the vertical rod segment 36a. The coil spring may be anchored at its upper end limit as illustrated in FIG. 1 at 72 in an aperture drilled in rod 36. The coil spring may be welded or otherwise anchored at 74 at its lower end limit to ring 38 secured to the plank 1'8. Rotatable movement of the rod 36 from the position of FIG. 1 will impart a torque to the spring 51 by virtue of its connection at the opposite end limit to the ring. This torque will return the rod to the position of FIG. 1 after the actuator 62 has terminated its engagement with the Z-shaped arm 56.

FIG. illustrates actuator 62 in the course of terminating engagement with the arm 56. In the position of FIG. 5, roller 63 of the actuator, more clearly seen in FIG. 1, is rotatably engaging terminal arm portion 56b of arm 56 just before the latter arm again pivots upwardly as the result of the above-described action of spring 51. Because of the rotatable engagement between roller 63 of the actuator and the terminal portion of the arm 56 as the same is returning to its original position of FIG. 1,

there is no sudden jerking action as the release rod seg-' 6 meat 36b returns from its right angle position relative to plank 18 to the position of FIG. 1.

After the actuator arm 62 has terminated engagement with arm 56, drive shaft 60a of the sweep 7 0 continues to rotate, returning the sweep to the position of FIG. 1. In the latter sweep position the actuator also resumes the position of FIG. 3, and is ready to function in the manner described.

Actuation of the automatic apparatus above described, including the rotatable movement of the shaft 60a on which the actuator 62 is mounted, may be initiated as follows. support bracket 20 is connected to a shock absorber 86 having a heavy compression spring 82 disposed therein. As each bowling ball strikes the plank 18, a slight movement is imparted to the plank, which movement in turn effects a slight compression of the spring 82, as well as a slight axial movement thereof. The spring is connected to a contact within switch 84, also seen in FIG. 1, which upon movement thereof by the plank and coil spring action, completes an electrical circuit energizing motive means enabling the sweep and rack to function in the manner previously described.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a modified bowling ball release mechanism formed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. In FIG. 6 a pivotally mounted ballengaging arm 88 is illustrated having a substantially L- shaped bottom portion integrally formed with an upper arm portion 89, which is angularly disposed to a central normally vertically disposed arm portion 90. Bottom portion 92 of the arm 88 is of slightly curvilinear con figuration.

Arm 88 is mounted for pivotal movement on pin 94, which is in turn mounted on a support 96 secured to a s de frame portion 98. Attached at 100 to the distal end limit of portion 89 of arm 98 is one end of a wire 102.

A pulley 104 is predeterminately located relative to pulley 160 so that upon shortening the portion of the wire 102, extending between. the pulley 104 and connection 100, arm 88 will move in the direction of pulley 104. S multaneously the bottom portion 92 of arm 88 will pivot counterclockwise into the position illustrated in FIG. 7 1n front of ball door 34.

It is apparent that in the course of this latter movement any ball or pin assemblies jammed in the exit opening will be urged by arm 88 away from the door so that the pins may be carried by the carpet 14 beneath the stop plank 18 and the ball allowed to enter exit opening 30.

It is also apparent from FIG. 6 that the mechanism which imparts a movement to wire 102 is substantially the same as that above described in the discussion of the FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawing. In FIGS. 6 and 7 the actuator 62 is disposed on an end portion of the rotatable drive shaft 60a to correspond with the location of the arm 56. Wire 102 is connected at one end limit to the Z-shaped arm 56, which in FIG. 6 is pivotally mounted on support bar 44. Bar 44 is, in turn, predetermmately positioned relative to side wall surface 98 by means of supporting bracket 108. The wire also engages guide pulley 50 mounted on bar 44 .in the normal course of use thereof.

After arm 88 has been pivotally moved into the position of FIG. 7, spring connected at one end limit to an end portion of L-shaped bracket 112 and at the other end limit to arm segment 89, will return the arm 88 into the position of FIG. 6 after roller 63 of actuator 62 has terminated engagement with the Z-shaped lever 56. By employing the bowling ball release construction of FIGS. 6 and 7, there is no need to mount any part thereof Referring to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the matic bowling apparatus devices which are well known in the art. The bowling ball release above described may vary in certain structural details and may obviously be actuated by numerous means Without departing from the scope of this invention.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully explain the character of my invention that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under varying conditions of service, while retaming certain features which may properly be said to constitute the essential items of novelty involved, which items are intended to be defined and secured to me by the following claims.

I claim:

1. In combination, a continuously moving conveyor means, stop means disposed adjacent to the path of said conveyor means in spaced relationship therewith for engaging a bowling ball, exit means for such bowling ball disposed adjacent one edge of said conveyor means, closure means for said exit means pivotally movable away from said conveyor means into an open position allowing passage of a bowling ball into said exit means, means pivotally mounted over said exit means adapted to move across said exit means and engage a bowling ball disposed adjacent said exit means and give an impetus thereto away from said exit means when said closure means is in at least a partly open position.

2. In an apparatus combination employed in a bowling lane, bowling-ball exit means having an inwardly movable door which opens by pivotally moving away from said bowling lane disposed adjacent one end limit of said bowling lane, bowling-ball stop means spaced from said bowling lane and having one end limit terminating adjacent said bowling ball exit means, means for removing fallen pins from said one end of said bowling lane, rotatatable drive shaft means for the pin removing means, means for removing jammed bowling ball and pin assemblies from said exit means pivotally mounted adjacent said exit means and adapted to sweep in front of said exit means while said exit door is at least partly open, and actuating means for the jammed assembly removing means connected to said rotatable drive shaft means.

3. In combination, a continuously moving conveyor means, stop means disposed adjacent the path of said conveyor means in spaced relationship therewith for stopping a bowling ball moving over said conveyor means, exit means for such bowling ball disposed adjacent one edge of said conveyor means; said exit means having an inwardly movable closure means which opens by pivotally moving away from said conveyor means, and means mounted on the stop means and disposed adjacent said exit means adapted to move from a position remote from said exit means to a position adjacent said exit means whereby a bowling ball disposed adjacent said exit means may be engaged thereby and given an impetus away from said exit means when said inwardly movable closure means is in at least a partly open position.

4. The combination of claim 3 in combination with a resilient means connected to said means mounted on said stop means and to said stop means for returning said means mounted on said stop means to said remote position after said position adjacent said exit means is reached.

5. In combination, a continuously moving conveyor means, stop means disposed adjacent the path of said conveyor means in spaced relationship therewith for engaging a bowling ball, exit means for admitting such bowling ball disposed adjacent one edge of said conveyor means, closure means for said exit means pivotally movable away from said conveyor means into an open position allowing passage of a bowling ball into aid exit means, means pivotally mounted over said exit means adapted to move across said exit means whereby a bowling ball disposed adjacent said exit means may be engaged thereby and given an impetus away from said exit means when said exit door is in at least a partly open position, and motive means connected to said pivotally mounted means for actuating said latter means after a bowling ball strikes said stop means.

6. In an apparatus combination employed in a bowling lane, conveyor means disposed adjacent one end of said lane for removing pins away from said lane one end, means for removing fallen pins from said lane one end onto said conveyor means, ball exit means disposed adjacent one edge portion of said conveyor means, closure means for said exit means pivotally movable away from said conveyor means into an open position allowing entrance of a ball into said exit means, means movable into positions remote from and adjacent to said ball exit means whereby any objects jammed in said exit means when said closure is in at least a partly open position may be urged therefrom, and means interconnecting the movable means and said means for removing fallen pins adapted to regulate the position of said movable means relative to said exit means in accordance with the position of said means for removing fallen pins.

7. In a combination comprising a bowling lane, pins positionable at one end of said lane, a continuously moving conveyor means disposed adjacent said one end of said lane, stop means spaced over said conveyor means a distance sufiicient to permit passage therebeneath of said pins in a non-erect position, ball mean for engaging said pins having a diameter of such size as to be unable to pass beneath said stop means, exit means for said ball means disposed adjacent one end of said stop means, closure means for said exit means pivotally movable away from said conveyor means into an open position allowing entrance of a ball means into said exit means, said conveyor means moving from said lane toward said stop means, the improvement comprising means disposed adjacent said stop means adapted to move from a position remote from said exit means to a position adjacent said exit means whereby ball means and pin means disposed adjacent said exit means are urged away from the vicinity of said exit means when said closure means is in at least partly open position.

8. In an apparatus combination employed in a bowling lane, means for removing fallen pins from one end of said lane, a continuously moving carpet disposed adjacent the end of said lane from which the pins are removed by the pin-removing means, said carpet upper surface moving away from said lane, stop means for engaging ball means and disposed in overlying spaced relationship with said carpet means permitting passage therebeneath of fallen pins, bowling-ball exit means disposed adjacent one end of said stop means, closure means for said exit means pivotally movable into an open position away from said carpet, dislodging means for said ball means mounted adjacent said exit means and movable into positions adjacent and remote relative to said exit means, and adapted to remove any ball means and pin means jammed in and adjacent said exit means from their position adjacent said exit means when said closure means is in at least a partly open position; motive means for the pinremoving means, and actuating means for said dislodging means connected to said pin-removing means.

9. In combination a bowling lane, pin means positionable on an end portion of said lane, conveyor means disposed adjacent said end portion of said lane, movable stop means disposed in overlying spaced relation with said conveyor means, said stop means being adapted to stop ball means thrown at said pin means after the ball means leaves said lane; means for moving pin means lying on said lane onto said conveyor means, means for actuating the pin-removing means connected to said stop means and actuated by a movement of said stop means effected when said stop means engages a ball means, exit means for ball means disposed adjacent a terminal end of said stop means, closure means for said exit means inwardly pivotally movable into an open position away from said lane, means supported on said stop means movable from a position remote from said exit means to a position adjacent to said exit means and adapted to engage ball means and pin means disposed in front of said exit means when said closure means is in at least a partly open position and urge the same therefrom in the course or movement thereof, and means connected to said pin-moving means actuating said ball and pin-engaging means in the course of moving said pins onto said 0011- veyor means.

10. In combination, continuous conveyor means adapted to receive bowling balls and pins, stop means for such balls in spaced overlying relation with said conveyor means; the interval between said conveyor means and said overlying stop means being insufficient to permit passage therethrough of such bowling balls but adequate to permit passage therethrough of such pins when lying on said conveyor means in a non-erect position, exit means for such balls disposed adjacent an end portion of said stop means, closure means for said exit means inwardly pivotally movable into an open position away from said conveyor means, said stop means being angularly disposed to the longitudinal axis of said conveyor means whereby bowling balls engaged by said conveyor means are urged against said stop means and conveyed across said conveyor means width to said exit means, means pivotally mount-ed on said stop means having a distal portion moving from a position remote from said exit means to a .position adjacent said exit means and adapted to engage balls and pin partially disposed in said exit and impart an impetus thereto urging the same away from said exit means when said closure means is in at least a partly open position.

11. In a combination employed in a bowling lane comprising continuous conveyor means for conveying ball and pin means, stop means disposed in overlying spaced relation with said conveyor means a sufficient distance to permit passage therebetween of pin means carried by said conveyor means but an insufficient distance to .permit passage therebetween of a ball means carried by said conveyor means, exit means for reception of such ball means disposed adjacent one end or" said stop means, means for removing ball means and pin means from the lane onto said conveyor means operable after a ball means strikes said stop means, said conveyor means being adapted to convey such pin means past said exit means beneath said stop means, the improvement comprising rod means having a first vertical portion pivotally mounted on said stop means, said rod means also having a terminal end portion movable from an initial position across said exit means whereby a ball and pin assembly partially disposed in said exit means may be engaged thereby and forced from the vicinity of said exit means, means connected to said rod means for pivoting said rod means and actuated by said means for removing fallen pins after a ball means strikes said stop means, and means engaging said rod means for returning said rod means terminal end portion to said initial position after the pivoting action thereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,920,891 1/60 Sherman 27349 XR 2,969,982 1/ 61 Patterson et a1. 273-49 3,012,782 12/61 Larson 27349 DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION, A CONTINUOUSLY MOVING CONVEYOR MEANS, STOP MEANS DISPOSED ADJACENT TO THE PATH OF SAID CONVEYOR MEANS IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP THEREWITH FOR ENGAGING A BOWLING BALL, EXIT MEANS FOR SUCH BOWLING BALL DISPOSED ADJACENT ONE EDGE OF SAID CONVEYOR MEANS, CLOSURE MEANS FOR SAID EXIT MEANS PIVOTALLY MOVABLE AWAY FROM SAID CONVEYOR MEANS INTO AN OPEN POSITION ALLOWING PASSAGE OF A BOWLING BALL INTO SAID EXIT MEANS, MEANS PIVOTALLY MOUNTED OVER SAID EXIT MEANS ADAPTED TO MOVE ACROSS SAID EXIT MEANS AND ENGAGE A BOWLING BALL DISPOSED ADJACENT SAID EXIT MEANS AND GIVE AN IMPETUS THERETO AWAY FROM SAID EXIT MEANS WHEN SAID CLOSURE MEANS IS IN AT LEAST A PARTLY OPEN POSITION. 